The Inner Canvas Collective Training Program

  • Aligned with the traditions and origins of play therapy, The Inner Canvas Collective draws on an integrative framework centered around family-based, psychoanalytic, and child-centered foundations. We base our training on the psychoanalytic roots of play therapy. Our approach emphasizes valuing the play therapy relationship, including containment and transference (countertransference), and developing a method that feels personal and authentic to you. Our training emphasizes continually understanding the use of self (the person of the play therapist) as a tool to enhance effectiveness and outcomes.

    We offer a play therapy training program for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families. As an Approved Play Therapy Training provider, we support working toward the RPT and RPT-S credentials.

  • Training formats: You have options!! 

    Training can be completed in various formats. When it comes to RPT/S credentialing, we want to be transparent that while we don't set the requirements, we do follow the guidelines established by APT. The good news is that we're here to support you as you work toward your credential!

    We encourage you to take some time to review APT's credentialing processes so you're familiar with what to expect. If you have specific questions about RPT/S requirements, need accommodations, or have questions about the application process, we're happy to help. For the most detailed and official information, APT can provide direct answers to credential-specific questions. We recommend you call or email them directly.

    Our training delivery is organized into three categories

     (here we go as transparent, real, kind, and honest as possible):

    On Demand Training: Self-paced learning at any time, with the opportunity to schedule a supervision/meeting with Dr. Elyssa for questions and support. Our on-demand training is largely composed of recordings from prior webinar series.

    Live Webinars: Live webinar (in real time over Zoom) series are composed of three sessions that occur over three consecutive weeks (one day a week for three weeks in a row). We want you to know that our intentions in this format are to build a community and help you integrate training materials over time, in conjunction with your current clinical practice. Live webinars allow us to expand our reach while connecting you to your peers nationally.   Please note: All webinars are in Eastern Standard Day Time (unless otherwise noted). We are here to support you, but the workings of your own Zoom, computer, and schedule are your responsibility. 

     In-person training: We'd love to connect with you in person! We know that factors like cost, scheduling, location, and attendance can sometimes make that challenging. As a small woman-owned business in our early stages, our training center is based in Langhorne (Bucks County), PA. We actively seek out partnerships and collaborations that allow us to expand our reach.

    If you're interested in partnering with us to bring training to your community, we'd be thrilled to hear from you! Please reach out to us here or look into our in-service training opportunities. We're excited about the opportunity to grow together and create enriching learning experiences through collaboration.

  • The Inner Canvas Collective’s Training Program is focused on two  broad areas: 

    1.   Approved Provider of Play Therapy Training & Cont. Ed.
    Our play therapy trainings are designed as a series, meeting weekly over 2-4 weeks depending on the program. This intimate format fosters genuine community and connection among participants while creating space for meaningful integration of theory, research, and clinical practice. Between sessions, the intention is for you to apply what you learn, then return to the group with your cases, questions, and insights. This approach creates rich, practice-based learning that bridges the gap between knowledge and application.

    2.  Mental Health Professional Wellness

    Creative Growth, Wellness & Career Longevity (Webinar Series coming Summer 2026)

Cover page of a publication titled 'The Inner Canvas Collective' featuring children walking outdoors and a hand holding a paper craft butterfly, with a colorful eye icon and text about professional training in play therapy.

Upcoming Live Webinar Series

(Summer 2026)

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Approved Training Provider

The Inner Canvas Collective is an Association for Play Therapy (APT) Approved Provider of Play Therapy Continued Education and an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider.

Seal with blue and gold colors, featuring a stylized human figure with raised arms, and text that reads 'APT Approved Provider of Play Therapy Continuing Education'.

APT Approved Provider 24-742

Play therapy credit available to mental health professionals & graduate students in a mental health program.

a4pt.org

Logo of NBCC with a globe and the text 'Approved Continuing Education Provider' circling it.

NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider™ ACEP No. 7587

NBCC has approved the Inner Canvas Collective as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. The Inner Canvas Collective is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.